THE ACCLAIMED violinist and conductor Thomas Zehetmair has renewed his contract with the Northern Sinfonia.

Zehetmair made his announcement following a well-received performance at the BBC Proms, in the Royal Albert Hall, in London, at the weekend. He will continue until 2008.

Since he took up his post in 2001, in what was hailed as the "best signing since Alan Shearer", Zehetmair has formed a dynamic relationship with the orchestra.

It has been distinguished by a refreshing approach to programming and the quality and commitment of the music.

In the past 12 months, he and the Northern Sinfonia have appeared at great European halls, including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Vienna's Musikverein and the Philharmonie in Berlin, where they were invited to play for the Queen.

Performance programme director Simon Clugston said: "The special relationship between Thomas Zehetmair and Northern Sinfonia has proved one of the most powerful and creative on the British musical scene in recent years.

The forthcoming season will see the orchestra's first full series at its new home - the Sage Gateshead.